Hull Cleaning

One of the main causes of the increase in fuel consumption and the decrease in the efficiency of the ship, is the prolific accumulation or marine incrustations in the hull thereof.

An accumulation of marine incrustations in the hull is equivalent to a greater drag or friction with the water, which, in turn, implies a detrimental impact on the hydrodynamic performance of a ship and a considerable increase in fuel consumption. In the same way, the relationship between speed and power output is negatively affected.

In severe cases, a large prolific accumulation of shells or hard incrustations in the hull, can generate turbulence and cavitation, this can put at risk the stability of the boat itself, making it more difficult to navigate. Additionally, in more extreme cases, this can generate noise, which can interfere in the perception of the sensors or sonar installed in the hull thereof, causing false solid bodies to be detected in the water, which, depending on the situation , can cause a change in the direction of the boat.

To Seven Seas C.A this situation worries you as much as the shipowners or ship owners, for that reason, we offer a complete and meticulous service of helmet cleaning in the water. To guarantee a complete cleaning, we divide the process into 4 zones: lateral and flat bottom; rudder and stern arch; propeller and marine chests or grids; We pay special attention to these areas at the time of cleaning.

How is the process of cleaning a ship’s hull in the water?

First, a diagnostic inspection is carried out to determine the state of marine proliferation on the surface of the hull; At the same time, you can perceive how difficult it is to eliminate the dirt and estimate an approximate how long it will take to do the cleaning.

Once the aforementioned has been determined, we proceed to begin the cleanup, with a group no less than “10 divers”, distributed in a precise and strategic manner to complete the cleanup in the estimated time; There are generally 3 divers for starboard, 3 divers for port and 4 divers for flat bottom.

In Seven Seas we use the equipment UCM International – Twin Brush Machine to perform the cleanings, coupled with the capable abilities of our body of diving, it is possible to remove all the dirt from the hull of the boat.

The process that the company usually uses covers the cleaning of Timón y Arco, with the help of a double brush or a brush machine for those areas where it is difficult to reach the UCM; Propeller cleaning (see Polishing of propellers), using a small polishing disc; and Cofres o Marinas, which is achieved using stainless steel spatulas.

What is the UCM International – Twin Brush Machine?

It is a unique and compact device, adapted to work in diving operations, which is made up of a twin brush machine, and which has advance and recoil technology. Ideal for underwater cleaning.

These data are extracted from the user manual, it should be noted that the weights are based on plastic bristle brushes, and the cleaning rate was only considered under optimal conditions.